WHERE TO GO APPLE AND PUMPKIN PICKING IN WESTCHESTER 2022!

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, Yorktown Heights, NY

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As the crisp days of fall unfold, there's time to plan a trip to an orchard for a bushel or two of the year's finest apples.

Most of these "pick your own" orchards offer a chance to pick up other seasonal vegetables, select farm-fresh foods, and enjoy some family-style events and activities.

Fix Bros. Farm, 215 White Birch Road, Hudson, NY. Cash or check only. Go to their website for the amazing story of their 100-year-old McIntosh apple tree — it's a quick read.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights.914 245-5111. The apple season started in September, but there could be a couple of weeks left. Pumpkins in October, and in December you can hunt for Christmas trees. Stop by the gift shop for freshly baked cookies, doughnuts and strudel sticks, and check out the wine-tastings.

Stuart's Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs. 914 245-2784. The 200-acre family-owned farm offers nine different varieties of apples as well as pumpkins. Apple picking runs daily from 10am – 5pm through November. There are a variety of over 20 apples to choose; depending on the type of apple the picking period varies. Check out the website to see when your favorite apple is available for picking. If you just want to take a trip to enjoy the farm and enjoy a delicious apple, you can purchase apples in the farm stand.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem. 914 485-1210. The pick your own season kicks off in September and runs right through the end of October. By reservation only.

Dr. Davies Farm, 306 Route 304, Congers. 845 268-7020. Apple picking every day 10am-4pm. Book a reservation for quick entry or come up to the farm.

The Orchards of Concklin, 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona. 845 354-0369. Open to the public for picking Saturdays and Sundays only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the farm stand, and taste the fresh-pressed apple cider. The bakery offers delicious pies, cookies, and pastries.

Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction. 845-897-4377. Reservations for Fall Harvest Season are now posted now through Oct. 10. They also have some fun events in store like their Fall Harvest Festivals! Check out the events page to learn more about live music at the cider bar, yoga on the farm, harvest festivals and more.

Apple Hill Farm, 124 Route 32, New Paltz. 845 255-1605. Open Columbus Day. Pick Your Own is Friday thru Sunday, 10am-5pm. through Oct. 16. The farm stand will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct. 29.

Hurds Family Farm, 2185 Route 32, Modena. 845 883-6300. Open every day. For Saturdays and Sundays, tickets for apple picking and activities (pony rides start in October) are sold separately. Tickets go on sale the Tuesday before.

Wilklow Orchards, 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland. 845 691-2339. Open every weekend to October 31st, 9-6 daily. If you want, you can use a Picker Pole for the apples that are out of reach. You have a choice of a Large or Small Bag. The Large Bags hold 20-25 lbs, and get 4 people (anyone 5 or over) in the Orchard, and the Small bags hold 10-12 Lbs and allow two people in. You can buy as many bags as you like! We will also give you a detailed map of the orchard. You can pick out what types of apples you want, and you will know where to find them!

Greig Farm, 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook.845 758-1234. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The farm has been open to the public for more than 60 years. Apple picking began in late August and continues through late October. The family of pygmy goats can be found playing on their jungle gym and rolling around mountains of hay all year round. Bring a few quarters to feed the goats alfalfa pellets from your hand.

Rose Hill Farm, 1798, 19 Rose Hill, Red Hook. 845 758-4215. Pick your own 3pm-dusk Thursdays and Fridays, and 10am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays. You can peruse offerings in the Taproom, select snacks and order your wine, cider, beer at the bar. For food pop-ups, live music, events and classes, see details on their Events page.

Lawrence Farm Orchards, 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh. 845 562-4268. During picking season we are open daily from 9am-4pm. In addition to apples we have Seedless table grapes, Concord and Niagara grapes, Sweet Corn, eggplant, broccoli, green beans, tomatoes, radish, swiss chard, peppers, kohlrabi, chinese cabbage, kale, and zucchini. Admission to the farm is $7 per person Monday-Thursday $10 per person Friday-Sunday and Holidays (season passes are available). Children 2 and under are free.

Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Westchester County

TACO DIVE BAR with views of the HUDSON!

IT’S MAY 5TH! THAT MEANS IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE Cinco de Mayo!

For the holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in 1862, we thought we’d suggest a couple of spots in Westchester where you can mount your own triumph.

TACO DIVE BAR

55 Hudson Ave, Peekskill, 914.788-8226

One of my favorite views of the Hudson is from a table at this joint. The Taco Dive Bar is located at the Riverfront Green in Peekskill. Get ready for tasty Tacos, nachos and tequila with a picturesque view of the Hudson River.

bartaco

1 Willet Ave, Port Chester; 914.937.8226

From May 5 to June 14, bartaco is teaming up with the hot sauce experts at Austin-based Yellowbird Foods to offer their first-ever #bartacosecret taco, featuring Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha. Lemongrass-marinated coconut shrimp is served atop a green papaya salad and finished with a garlicky-sweet drizzle; these flavors pair perfectly with bartaco’s acclaimed margaritas.

Cantina Lobos

217 Wolfs Ln, Pelham; 914.380.8644

During its annual fiesta, this modern restaurant and bar in Pelham will be celebrating with drink and food specials, as well as traditional Mexican music performed by an in-house Mariachi band.

La Casa Bronxville

7 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.222.9016

The lovely La Casa is hosting a special event from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Indulge in a tasting menu featuring “Greatest Hits” like crab tostadas, carne asada, shrimp and octopus tacos, camarones, and more. Then head to the open bar to sip on wine, beer, and new spring cocktails. Expect elevated, photo-worthy traditional fare, plus some surprise items, this night only. Advance booking is required; space is limited.

HOW TO HOST THE PERFECT LAST MINUTE BARBECUE? HURRY UP AND READ THIS...

START PLANNING THE PERFECT BBQ RIGHT NOW…

Memorial Day weekend 2022 is only a few months away!  It’s the unofficial start to the summer season.

This holiday weekend is the perfect time to host a backyard, deck or porch-side BBQ celebration in honor of our fellow veterans and active military members.  

If you are anything like us here at W2W, we realize doing things last minute and on a budget is key.  No worries, we’ve got you covered!  

W2W put together some solid resources to help you plan, including a handy checklist, so you can host the perfect BBQ soiree.  You just need to provide the working grill and we can help you plan the rest!  

Let’s do this! 

GUEST LIST:  Make a quick guest list.  Nothing fancy.  Text or create an official invite or send an electronic invitation with, Evite.  Just have a solid number of people who will attend and plan to eat!  Once you have a solid number of attendees, make sure to ask if anyone has any specific food allergies or special dietary needs, such as gluten free or vegan.  Then be sure to plan accordingly.  We agree shrimp on the barb sounds great but some folks are allergic to shellfish so providing a few options from fish, meat and non-meat food dishes. are a safe way to go.

FOOD MENU:  Based on how many guests attending and their dietary needs, start planning your menu and make a list of all the food/drink ingredients and non-food supplies you’ll need for the barbecue.   This is also a good time to think of a theme for your BBQ.  See “DECOR” for more on this topic.

DRINK MENU:  Create a signature drink.  This can be with or without alcohol.  A signature drink is a great way to create a memorable theme or just spice up the celebration.  Plus, buying and creating anything in bulk can save time and money.  Our favorite cocktail that you can put your own spin on is an, Aperol Spritz.  If your guests like prosecco and orange, this is a big hit!  American flag garnish is optional.

CREATE A SIGNATURE DRINK

FOOD & SUPPLIES SHOPPING LIST:  Create a master food and supplies list.  This CHECK LIST from our friends over at STOCKYARDS STEAKS is a super handy checklist that you can print out and get the ball rollin’.  An all American basic BBQ menu typically includes hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken.  Side dishes include corn, grilled veggies and potato salad.  For dessert, fresh fruit salad, cupcakes, cookies or a sundae bar is a festive way to go.  You can put your own a spin on any BBQ by adding on fresh fish such as Lobster or shrimp, speciality frozen drinks or gourmet side dishes.   If possible, we suggest you purchase any nonperishable foods and supplies at least a few days in advance.  This is will help breakup the shopping load but, if you don’t have the time, one big shopping trip will get the job done!

BBQ CHECK LIST

OUTDOOR GEAR:  Whether your event is outdoors or inside, you need to think of seating.  It’s customary to provide comfortable and sun free seat options for guests to eat.  You may need to rent or buy extra folding tables or chairs.  Paper or we prefer reusable Melamine (heavy duty plastic) products are a simple way to provide all the necessary cups, plates, utensils, serving pieces for your guests.  PartyCity, Target, Walmart and Amazon are all good last minute options to buy any gear and table supplies.  Don’t forget to invest in a few outdoor receptacles for garbage or at least a box of heavy duty 20 gallon garbage bags. 

DECOR:  Whether you throw a BBQ with several weeks to plan or 24 hours before, “DECOR” doesn’t have to be a scary word.  Not every celebration has to have a theme but, it' sure makes the event festive and can help streamline every choice you make from the food to the cups, plates and utensils.  If you have the time, check out Martha Stewart and Town and Country’s take on the perfect Mem Day bash for some decor inspo. If you are short on time, no worries, mood lighting can create a festive impact on your guests with minimal effort.  Buy a few sets of flameless candles for the tables and hang some string lights over the eating areas to create instant ambiance!  For any summer celebration, you can’t go wrong with an American flag theme.  Even a few flags proudly on display will help create a more festive vibe.

FOOD AND DRINK STATIONS:  Serving up the food quick, hot and simple is key.  We suggest creating a food and drink self serve or buffet area for guests to serve themselves.  This is the best way to go.  We suggest creating food stations inside but, If your buffet stations are outside you will want to serve the food in covered containers or cover all food trays with the appropriate sized food screens to keep out the bugs.  Food screens are a great investment and everyone from Amazon to Target sells a version.  Heated food trays or burners are also a great option and can keep food warm without burning anything for hours at a time.  Kabobs are great way to serve guests fast and easy.  Helps create a great theme for your event as well.  The kabob sticks come in metal or bamboo are easy to buy in bulk and help streamline the grilling process.

THE DAY OF YOUR BBQ:   

• Prep all your dishes and items to be grilled.  Marinate meats and veggies for grilling.  Be sure to display all your condiments for guests. Cut and prep fresh fruits and veggies and keep them in the fridge until guests arrive.

• Finish decorating. Make the final adjustments to your décor and seating arrangements. Organize cups, plates, utensils, salads, side dishes, condiments, etc., on a buffet-style table. Make sure any food items are covered to protect them from heat and bugs!

• Set up the drinks station. Fill your cooler with ice and stock it with plenty of drinks so they’re nice and cold by the time your guests arrive. Remember to frequently replenish the ice supply throughout the day.

• Fire up the grill. Set up your grill and start cookin’! Keep an eye on the meats and ensure they’re being grilled at the proper grilling temperatures.

• Enjoy! Spend the day having fun with your family and friends!

POST BBQ:  

• Put away the leftovers. Wrap up any leftover perishable food right away and store them in the fridge. (That includes meats, salad, cheeses and spreads.) If there’s enough to go around, give some leftovers to your guests to take home.

• Clean up. Throw away the trash and clean and disinfect tables and chairs. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your grill too.

• Stock up for your next BBQ bash. Hang on to any unused utensils and save them for your next fabulous backyard barbecue.

Any tips on how you made a last minute BBQ a success?

We would love to hear from you!

Please do comment below and let us know!

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CELEBRATE NATIONAL COFFEE DAY WITH SOME OF THE BEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD!

IT'S NATIONAL COFFEE DAY!  

TIME TO CELEBRATE WITH THE GOOD STUFF?  MEET MARLEY COFFEE!

WHERE TO FIND FREE COFFEE TODAY?  KEEP READING...  #NATIONALCOFFEEDAY

Happy National Coffee Day, Thursday, September 29!  Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and other national coffee chains across America have special deals all day!  If you are in NYC, Lavazza Coffee is free ALL DAY (with the purchase of a pastry) at Eataly Downtown NYC: 101 Liberty Street New York, NY 10006!  

Dunkin Donuts: Get any medium cup of coffee for just 66 cents in celebration of the chain's 66th anniversary, which falls on the coffee-themed holiday.

Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and an original glazed donut at any Krispy Kreme location.

McDonald's: Free small hot or iced McCafe coffee if you download the app.

Keurig.com: Time to stock up on K-Cups. Get 20 percent off select brands of K-Cup pods bought by using the code ‘GREENSAVINGS’ at checkout.

Stan’s Donuts: Free glazed donut with the purchase of a Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea: Free medium drip coffee with any food purchase.

Target: Free tall hot brewed coffee at Target stores.

Caribou Coffee: Every time someone purchases a coffee at Caribou Coffee on National Coffee Day, the company will donate a free cup of coffee to caregivers and family members at cancer facilities and hospitals across the nation.

Bruegger's Bagels: Anyone who snaps a selfie with a Bruegger’s coffee cup and posts it with the hashtag #BrueggersMugShot and #Contest the chance to win unlimited free coffee for an entire year.

Starbucks: For every brewed cup of Mexico Chiapas coffee purchased, Starbuck's will donate a coffee tree to a farmer in need.

In the mood for a gourmet coffee fix today?  Stir it up with, Marley Coffee!

Bob Marley’s son, ROHAN, is the passionate founder of Marley Coffee.  The WANNA host, Gina Glickman Giordan, recently met Marley one on one for an exclusive interview at the grand opening of THE TIME HOTEL in Nyack, NY.  ROHAN told us how he got into the coffee making business and explains what makes MARLEY COFFEE some of the highest quality coffee to drink in the world!   Check out the interview with Rohan below! 

WATCH THE WANNA's exclusive interview with Rohan Marley at Time Hotel Nyack BELOW!

Receive 10% off any Marley Coffee online purchase right now!  

Ya Know You Wanna!